Have you recently returned to work after maternity leave?
Returning to work after maternity leave can feel like stepping into an entirely different world - one where you're expected to pick up where you left off, but everything has changed, including you.
In our recent poll, 35% of individuals thought it took 6-12 months to feel back up to speed with their role - 33% wondered if it ever happened - well over half our respondents.
So If you’re feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or stuck, maternity returner coaching might be exactly what you need to make this transition smoother and more successful. Here are eight clear signs that coaching could help - and how it works.
1. You’re Struggling with Confidence
You used to feel on top of your game, but now you second-guess yourself. Maybe you’re questioning whether you’re still as capable, whether your skills are still sharp, or whether you can balance career and motherhood. Maternity returner coaching helps you rebuild confidence, recognise your strengths, and feel up to speed and delivering at work.
2. You Feel Invisible at Work
Since returning, it feels like you’ve faded into the background. Projects you would have led are now being handled by others, and you’re unsure how to reestablish your presence. Support for returning to work after maternity leave provides strategies to help you regain visibility, advocate for yourself, and show up with impact.
3. You’re Experiencing Overwhelm
Between work demands, home life, and the constant mental load, you feel like you're spinning too many plates. Career coaching for mums helps you create a plan that prioritises what matters, sets boundaries, and introduces sustainable strategies so you’re not constantly running on empty.
4. You Have Guilt—Lots of It
Mum guilt is real. Whether it’s feeling bad about leaving your baby, not being as available at work, or not “doing enough” in either role, it can be exhausting. A maternity returner coach helps you challenge these thoughts, shift your mindset, and focus on what truly matters instead of feeling like you’re always falling short.
5. You’re Considering a Career Change (or Wondering If You Should)
Maternity leave often gives people time to reflect on what they really want from their careers. If you’re unsure whether to stay, go, or pivot, coaching gives you space to explore your options, get clarity, and make a confident decision about your next steps.
6. You Don’t Know How to Have “The Talk” With Your Manager
Maybe you want to negotiate flexibility, clarify your career progression, or simply reestablish expectations - but you don’t know how to start the conversation. Coaching equips you with the right language, approach, and confidence to have productive discussions that set you up for success.
7. You Feel Like an Imposter
Do you catch yourself thinking, Am I really capable of doing this? What if they think I’m not as committed anymore? Do I even belong here? Imposter syndrome is common, especially for women returning from maternity leave. Coaching helps you reframe these thoughts, recognise your value, and step back into your role with confidence.
8. You’re Worried About Long-Term Career Growth
If you’re feeling stuck or wondering how to keep progressing while balancing parenthood, coaching can help you map out a plan. Whether it’s positioning yourself for promotion, taking on new opportunities, or ensuring your career doesn’t stall post-maternity leave, a structured coaching program ensures you stay on track.
How Maternity Returner Coaching Can Help You Thrive
Maternity returner coaching isn’t about just surviving the transition back to work - it’s about creating harmony in your life. Through targeted sessions, practical strategies, and mindset shifts, you’ll gain:
✅ Clarity on your goals and priorities
✅ Strategies to rebuild confidence and visibility
✅ Tools to manage workload and set boundaries
✅ A roadmap for long-term career success while balancing parenthood
The transition back to work doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right support, you can return with confidence, clarity, and a plan for success.
At Career & Parenthood, we partner with both organisations and individuals to create workplaces where working parents can thrive. From coaching programmes for individuals to company-wide initiatives supporting parental returners, we help embed sustainable, family-friendly cultures that drive talent retention and career progression.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If any of these signs resonate with you, let’s talk. Whether you’re an individual navigating your return to work or an organisation looking to enhance your support for working parents, we’re here to help. Book a free discovery call today and start building a workplace where careers and parenthood can thrive together.